Are you passioninate about de-clutter?

If you're in declutter mode, a yard sale can clear your clutter and score some cash, but it helps to have a plan. These tips will ensure a smooth and successful sale.

Want more help? Print a free yard sale checklist. It'll help focus and organize garage sale preparation. Now, on to the fun:

Gather your stuff (inventory) and make a list:

In the weeks before your sale, scour the entire house and garage.

How do you decide? Ask these questions: "Have I cooked with it, worn it, displayed it, used it or read it within the last year?" Some people apply a percentage rule: a firm 10 to 20 percent of all books, videos, clothing, or bric-a-brac must go.

Once an item's marked for sale, be stern! Store your yard sale inventory in black plastic garbage bags or boxes with lids. Do your homework

Yard sales have their own etiquette,etc. It's smart to bone up on such. Read the yard sale ads, and spend some time visiting neighborhood sales. Note price ranges on all items.

Pays to know the rules: Check with your municipality and homeowners' association. Some jurisdictions require a permit, or limit the number and timing of yard sales.

Set a date

Choose your day, and plan a one-day sale, maximum.

Advertise! Just like a store - people must be aware that you have great bargains and lots of inventory for sale. For a successful garage sale, you will need foot traffic. In your ads, be sure to include no "early bird shoppers" - you don't people knocking on your door at 5 a.m. Put you hours in your ads. Remember when the sale is over, your work is not over.

Make sure you have plenty of tables - plywood on top of saw horses, etc. - muffin tins make good change holders.

You might want to ask you neighbors on your street to join you - they can share in advertising money and help in putting up and taking down signs, etc. Even friends, not in your neighborhood may want to bring items - this will ensure you have help. And you do need help... when you need to go to the bathroon, fix lunch, fix coffee etc. If you plan ahead of time, and give friends plenty of advance notice, they will be more people joining you. Another advanctage, if neighbors join in with you, there will be less chance of complaints about the traffic, noise, etc.

Have a strategy for sale's end. Will you soon be having a yard sale at your church or organization? Many charities will pick up all unsold items. Call and schedule a 3 p.m. pickup for sale day, or be prepared to box the leftovers for delivery to a thrift store donation site. Whatever you do, it's better not to let the "stuff" back in the house!

You might consider offering free coffee, iced tea, cookies. Might keep them browsing longer.

All you planning will pay off and your house will be clutter free.